Are You Paranoid or Just Hypervigilant?
Professor Vaknin discusses the differences between hyper-vigilance, paranoid ideation, and conspiracism. He explains that hyper-vigilance is a common post-trauma response, while paranoid ideation involves persistent suspiciousness and beliefs of being persecuted. Conspiracism is the tendency to find patterns in facts and interpret them to fit a pattern, often leading to the development of conspiracy theories. These reactions can be triggered by trauma and are not necessarily indicative of mental illness. Vaknin suggests countering these tendencies by focusing on what is likely rather than what is possible and ruling out implausible scenarios.
Transgenderism: Real, Fad, or Hype? (Compilation)
Dr. Sam Vaknin discusses the concepts of sex and gender, the fluidity of sexuality and gender roles, and the impact of societal and cultural expectations on gender identity. He also addresses the lack of scientific studies on transgender issues, the phenomenon of detransitioning, and the convergence of both men and women towards toxic masculinity. He emphasizes the influence of capitalism and technology on shaping gender roles and societal behavior.
How Narcissist Dreams You (+Interpreted Dream)
The video is divided into two parts. In the first part, the speaker discusses the narcissist’s experience of the shared fantasy as a dream state. In the second part, he analyzes a dream of a narcissist, emphasizing the dream’s symbolism and the subject’s internal conflict. The dream reflects the subject’s struggle with his mental disorder and his journey towards healing and self-discovery.
When Suggestible Patient Pleases Therapist (Conference Presentation)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the impact of suggestibility and mimicry in therapy, particularly in patients with personality disorders. He emphasizes the need for therapists to maintain boundaries and avoid colluding with patients in forming shared fantasies. The text also delves into the concepts of transference and countertransference, and the potential for corruption and compromise in therapeutic relationships. Vaknin stresses the importance of humility and the therapist’s role as a service provider rather than a figure of authority.
How One Becomes a Narcissist – and How to Fight It! (Compilation)
Sam Vaknin presents a stark and pessimistic view of human existence, emphasizing the futility of striving for change or improvement. He suggests that individuals are inherently insignificant and that life is inherently meaningless, advocating for a state of nothingness as a form of liberation from societal pressures and the illusions of grandiosity. Vaknin criticizes those who offer solutions or systems for betterment as con artists, and he encourages people to embrace their own nothingness and live life without expectations or the pursuit of external validation.
Dealbreaker: No Male “Friends” for Wife, Girlfriend
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the challenges of male-female friendships and the miscommunication and misinterpretation of sexual interest between the genders. He argues that men are more likely to misinterpret friendliness as sexual interest, while women tend to misinterpret sexual signaling as friendliness. Vaknin also suggests that men are generally more sexually attracted to their female friends than vice versa, and that the belief in purely platonic friendships can lead to negative outcomes such as sexual harassment and assault. He emphasizes the need for clear communication and understanding between men and women in these relationships.
Good Mother Pushes Child Away and Other Answers Questioned
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of the death drive and the impact of a mother’s choices on a child’s life. He also addresses questions about narcissists, their capability of love, laziness, intrusive thoughts, and the potential for narcissism in charitable behavior. He emphasizes the narcissistic tendencies and control issues in individuals who give as a substitute for love.
How Narcissist Others YOU, Himself
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of “othering” in psychology, particularly in the context of narcissism. He explains how the narcissist’s perception of others evolves throughout the relationship, from initially not perceiving the other as separate, to devaluing and discarding them. He delves into the philosophical and psychological aspects of othering, emphasizing its role in the formation of the self and the internal world. Vaknin also explores the impact of othering on mental health and the development of psychopathologies. He references various philosophers and their perspectives on otherness, as well as the relevance of othering in neuroscience and Eastern philosophy.
How I Experience My False Self
The speaker describes being held hostage by a false self, created as a coping mechanism in response to childhood trauma. The false self gradually took over, leaving the speaker feeling empty and disconnected from their true self. They developed a deceptive persona to protect themselves and cope with their experiences, but ultimately feel imprisoned by it. The speaker longs for love and understanding, hoping it will set them free, but ultimately feels there is nothing left of their true self.
Narcissist’s Affair with Death Drive (Destrudo, Mortido)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of the death drive, its origins in Freud’s work, and its impact on individuals, particularly those who have experienced trauma and abuse. He delves into various psychological perspectives and theories related to the death drive, emphasizing its connection to early childhood experiences and the role of the mother in shaping an individual’s relationship with death.